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Pediatric Day Program

The Pediatric Day Program is a unique, comprehensive program in which patients and their families participate in appointments, disease management and therapeutic activities throughout the day. It combines the intensity of an inpatient hospital stay with the cost savings of outpatient treatment. Patients and families have a "home base" on the second floor of the May Building where they check in each day and review their schedule.

Patient Care Team

The child's team consists of an attending physician, a nurse, and an allergy fellow or physician assistant.

Chronic illness often affects the emotional and social well being of children and their families. Because of this, a psychosocial clinician is part of the treatment team.

Other providers who may be consulted include speech therapists, rehabilitation therapists, dieticians, immunologists and pulmonologists. This program enables staff to observe and monitor the patient throughout the day, which in turn helps ensure accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment. The "home base" also enables families to meet other families who face similar challenges of managing illness.

Patient Education

The program emphasizes education and self-care. Parents attend educational classes that pertain to their child's diagnosis. Children learn about their treatment, including early warning signs, triggers to avoid, medications to take and practical techniques they can use when they return home. This approach provides children and their families an increased sense of independence, confidence and control over the illness.

What happens on the day of admission?

Families should arrive by 7:30 a.m. the day of admission and report to the Check-in desk on the second floor of the May Building. If your child needs medical attention before the day of admission, call the Pediatric Triage area, 303-398-1239, where your child can receive immediate care. Please alert the nurse that your child is here for the Day Program. If your child is having significant breathing problems or other emergency conditions, call 911.

Complete the Pediatric Initial Evaluation Form in this packet and bring it with you to National Jewish Health. Also hand carry copies of available medical records, including clinic notes, lab results, x-rays and scans.

Should your arrival time be delayed, please call 303.398.1239.

Attention: National Jewish Health treats many people with respiratory disorders whose symptoms can be triggered by certain scents, please DO NOT wear any of the following:

perfumes

colognes

aftershave

scented lotions

scented hairsprays

What happens on other days?

During the program, the activities throughout the days may vary depending on what types of testing, monitoring, further treatments and medication adjustments that might be required. Some days may be very busy, other days may be slower while waiting to see how treatments are working for your child.

What about other family members and visitors?

Although finding suitable childcare for siblings may be difficult, it is highly recommended, so that you can achieve the most benefit from this intensive program. There is no childcare provided, and all children must be supervised at all times.

How long should I plan on staying?

The average length of stay is ten business days but can be longer or shorter depending upon the severity of your child's illness. The treatment team will meet with you to outline the goals of your child's stay and work on achieving treatment goals and developing a home treatment plan. The team will also maintain communication with your physicians at home.

Where should I stay?

Day Program patients and a parent/guardian need to stay overnight in the hospital the first night. This is for observation purposes. Patient's siblings are not allowed to sleep overnight at the facility.

What about meals?

Continental breakfast and lunch are provided for patients Monday through Friday. Parents can purchase meals in our cafeteria to eat with their children on the unit. Parents can also purchase food at a local grocery store and store it in a refrigerator, which is available on the unit. Microwave ovens are also available on the unit or in the cafeteria. Coin-operated vending machines are located throughout the hospital.

What about patient billing?

You may receive and examine an explanation of your bill prior to discharge. You may inquire about the availability of financial aid to assist in the payment of your hospital bill prior to receiving services. You can expect prompt and accurate information and assistance from hospital staff. Please contact our Patient Financial Office at 303.398.1065.